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General Election

"I feel it is my duty to provide an independent candidate in this election," Mr Essessi said.

"Members of political parties have their parliamentary right of free speech subverted by the practices of political parties.

"I believe that this behaviour undermines our democracy and violates the principles of our constitution - a part of which is the bill of rights, which lays out protection for the parliamentary privilege of free speech in law.

"Aside from the principled position I also believe that it results in a parliament that is less representative than it ought to be and contributes to the impression that politicians are out of touch with both the people and reality."

He added: "Given that the foundational principle of my political convictions is democracy, the lack of it in this country is the single biggest issue in my opinion.

Guildford independent candidate Semi Essessi (Image: Semi Essessi)

"However, that being said I must be guided by the issues that matter most to the people I would hope to represent.

"People continue to gave legitimate worries about Brexit, and there continues to be a strong pro-remain sentiment in Guildford.

"I have heard much concern about the current approach locally, especially amongst our NHS workers and those in the games industry, and especially on the issue of a right to remain for EU citizens who are already working here."

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